
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 

Chap..r.... Copyright No, 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



Olork of the mystic Seven 

4 

CONCEALING AND REVEALING GEMS 
FROM THE BORDERLAND OF KNOWLEDGE 

(Uitb a Uv^ miscclldtteous Poetn$ 



BY 

IRVING B. HAYES, A. B., M. D. 



• ^' 



A^ 



Privately Printed for tbe jflutbcr 

1S97 



-ps 3 sir 



Copyright, 1897, By Irving B. Hayes 



THE BRYANT PRINTING COMPANY, 
FLORENCE^ MASS. 



RESERVED FOR DIAGRAMS 



PREFACE TO ''WORK OF THE MYSTIC 

SEVEN " 

"Work of the Mystic Seven" had its origin in a rather 
unique manner as might be inferred from its perusal. It may 
not be amiss, therefore, to give a history of the growth and 
development of the ideas which finally led to its completion. 

In the first place the life and training of the author hail 
much to do with it as it had also much to do with leading 
him to a possession of those facts which all ages have counted 
a priceless heritage never to be revealed. It may be here 
stated that much can never be revealed and never should be, 
except to those minds that have proved themselves worthy by 
the strictest tests, as for example, the interpretations of esoteric 
writings. 

The mind of the author was never defrauded of its birthright 
to mvestigate the truth for itself and was never humbled to 
submission to the follies of any conventional system. Descended 
from a long line of New England ancestry, the spirit of inves- 
tigation with an untrammelled mind was well developed. His 
earliest conception of deity was that of a goodman that lived 
in the sky just over a great elm tree, who had made every- 
thing and everybody. This was somewhat modified when it 
was told that an older brother had in his youth, after being 
told that God had made everything, made this sage inquiry, 



"Who made God?" It would appear that the child mind is 
often quite as much interested in getting at the truth of the 
first cause as the more adult intellect. There is no doubt also 
that it is as quickly offended at misrepresentations when once 
the truth is made known. From that time forward he regarded 
nature as an unsolved mystery which he determined to investi- 
gate by every means within reach. The great advancement the 
piesent age is making in all directions, was early realized and 
it was firmly believed that no mystery of nature was too great 
for man to solve. Perhaps this was a mistake, but it is, 
nevertheless, not an unpleasant thought. 

After the death of a sister when he was thirteen years of age 
a more definite determination was formed to apply himself to 
this investigation ; and then began the plans for a full collegi- 
ate course of study. At the age of fifteen, accordingly, his 
father accompanied him to Illinois and placed him under the 
tuition of an older brother. After two years in that genial part 
of the country, the long planned collegiate course was begun in 
the winter of 1879 and 1880, and continued with the usual 
vicissitudes till its completion in 1883. At that time the ideas 
of universal principles of nature had already taken definite shape. 
The conclusion had been reached that among these principles 
there were harmonious relations and that each was infinite and 
unlimited by anything. Being different from all else, each 
principle, when considered, must correspond to an independent 
interrogative. Finally when once understood it was believed 
'that they would so correlate as to furnish their own proofs. 



A more definite opinion was formed that they were seven in 
number and had the particular relationship which in a measure 
is here shown. It was, however, during the following year 
while pursuing a post-graduate course at the Thayer School 
of Civil Engineering, that, chancing to glance at the book 
of Revelations, he became convinced that these principles formed 
a part of the ancient lore of man. 

Pursuing the study and practice of Civil Engineering till 1886 
he found himself in New York City, after terminating an engage- 
ment as computor of triangulations in Albany. It was there he 
became acquainted with a peculiar genius — a man in middle life 
who, owing to an accident in early life had lost his hearing 
and sight except what could be gained by a large magnifying 
glass that he carried in his hand. An Irish-American, born a 
catholic, this man, so confined within himself, had devoted 
many years to constant study, making his living mainly by 
writing and public speaking. It is needless to say that his 
early faith was gone from him, and in its place was much 
of the philosophy of the present age coupled with advanced 
knowledge of ancient mysteries. He had spent years in the 
great libraries of the metropolis and associated with many keen 
minds. It was through him that the author was led to much 
of that extra-collegiate literature bearing upon ancient philosophy 
and into associations of which the multitude know little. 

It was already decided that the profession of Civil Engineering 
was unsafe as a life work owing to the frequent depressions in 
financial affairs and it was also decided to follow his brother's 



steps in the study of medicine. This was commenced immedi- 
ately so that the stay in New York continued most of the 
time till 1889. Previous to that date it was decided to put 
these thoughts into definite shape. A few verses were already 
written that with slight alteration remain in the present work. 

During the next four years, however, his mind was fully 
employed in the practice of medicine. Having removed to 
Atlanta, Ga., where a new field and new surroundings were 
found, the whole matter was in a way likely to be abandoned. 
But after the change of administration in 1893 he disposed of 
the property that had been acquired in Atlanta and again 
following the example of his older brother, came back to New 
England. After visiting the World's Fair and looking about for 
several months it was finally decided to locate in the town 
where he at present resides — the home of a free religious society 
and the Cosmian Hall. it is here that most of the real labor 
of compiling the present work, has been done. 

The thoughts themselves, however, had received many years 
of consideration. After entering the broader fields of investiga- 
tion much of the substance here presented, was developed, no 
doubt^ through reading both ancient and modern literature ; 
but the seven principles remain unchanged, having served in 
connection with received teachings to unlock many an otherwise 
closed entrance. 

This work is submitted to those of his friends whom the 
author may deem advisable as a means of entertainment and in 
the hope that it may lead on toward the attainment of that 



8 



higher knowledge which is so much desired by all lovers of the 
truth. It contains much of concealed mystery and for that 
reason it may be proper to recommend it to some as a diver- 
sion for the mind. It contains also many practical hints on 
the philosophy of life which may help the moody and discon- 
solate to more agreeable ways of thinking and living. While 
the stand is quite positive on religious topics it is not the pur- 
pose of the author to antagonize the views or ways of others, 
well knowing that people derive help in living from various 
modes of thought. 

It is believed, however, that the ideas here expressed will be 
found to coincide with the beginnings of every form of worship 
and not to antagonize the good of any. The form representing 
an initiation was chosen because of the large number of those 
ceremonies that have rendered people familiar with such affairs ; 
but out of deference to no particular order. There is also a 
more remote reason in the thoughts to be expressed and their 
ancient history. Without further explanation the author will 
entrust these lines to those he may deem advisable. 

The Author. 



FABLE OF THE WOLVES 

A pack of wolves upon the plains 
Long hunted for venison together, 

And each had shared in toil and pains 
Fatigue and in braving the weather. 

At length they came upon a stag 

Full-grown and both pampered and lusty, 

The chase was hard but none could lag 
O'er plains that were heated and dusty. 

Now some were foremost in the fray, 

Some barked loud, and some labored bravely ; 

But when the stag was dead one day 

The barkers came up and said gravely: — 

*' We managed this with care and skill 
And claim that the carcass is ours. 

Let those who are not tired still 
Exert for us all their powers." 

And so one half were kept at bay 

The weary, hungry, and foolish. 
Some worked and growled with smell for pay, 

But barkers ate stag with a relish. 



12 FABLE OF THE WOLVES. 

The hungry lot in vain could whine 

Or lick their dry chops and keep snuffing. 

At last they thought they would combine 

With those who had worked hard for nothing. 

So when at last the meat was gone 

And nothing was left worth the smelling, 

The cheated ones combined upon 

Revenge, with keen hunger impelling. 

The growlers and whiners joined as one 
With those who were faithful but cheated,. 

They seized the rogues too full to run 
And ate up their bodies while heated. 

And now the live ones all were cloyed 
The barkers all dead and devoured 

They formed a compact to avoid 

All risks both for weak and empowered. 

Whenever deer are captured now 
Each wolf in the pack gets a ration. 

The laws of hunger wolves allow 
But men are the fools of creation. 



INSTINCT 

Have you seen how the humming bird sips the 
dew 

From the plum-tree blooms in the lane? 
How he steadies himself in the air so true 

While he drinks the sweets they contain? 

Have you watched little chickens and turkeys 
drop 

When the mother hen spies a hawk ? 
And how quickly they scramble to fill their crop 

When she calls with coaxing cu-cluck? 

Then spiders weave webs with great skill 
designed 

Where the flies are surest to go. 
Thus are cells of the body by instinct combined 

Best arranged for the good they bestow. 

One may ask how it is that all this can be. 

Truths of nature grand and sublime ! 
Why make sport of our thoughts and with 
child-like glee 

Hide within our minds all the time? 

13 



14 INSTINCT. 

Is the problem of instinct too deep to solve 
While the world is full of its work? 

When a thousand details of our lives involve 
Traits of mind that roust in us lurk? 

From our birth to our death we rehearse a tune 
Played by all who have travelled before. 

When the cords are well struck what a precious 
boon 
That inspires our nature to soar ! 

Thus the notes of a bird are a song to him 

That recalls the past of his race, 
As the legends of old when the past grows dim 

Fill the soul with valor and grace. 

Every trait of the mind of the impulse, sense, 

Life itself is one inherited plan 
Which we all should protect with a firm 
defense 

And transmit unmarred if we can. 

For the instinct descends as a trait of mind 
Though it acts unprompted by thought. 

While it forms but a part of the soul, we find, 
Breathing life into forms it has wrought. 



UNCLE BECK— AN EX-SLAVE 

Bowed down with his threescore years and ten, 
With the toil of life and the want of age 

Grey bearded and wrinkled, black, his skin 
But his looks were grave and his manner sage. 

" Fine day Uncle Beck. How goes the world?" 
"Well de times am hard but I scraps along 

A cobblin' ol' shoes." His thread he twirled 
As he paused to " 'splain why de worl' goes 
wrong." 

" You see dese 'ere niggers haint got sense, 
Wid a boss to drive 'em dey works all right. 

But min' I don' say or make pretense 
For mysel' I likes to be driven quite. 

" You see dat my masser 'fo' de war 
Was a gemman fine an' he uster spree. 

Well I was his body slave and lor' 

What a time we had 'fo* dey set us free. 

"Sometimes he come fussin' ravin' 'roun' 
An' he make tings blue for de niggers sho' 

Sometimes we got lashed and wiped de groun' 
Den I tell ye tings went a hummin' tho'. 



15 



l6 UNCLE BECK — AN EX-SLAVE. 

"** De paterole men came 'roun' at night, 
Alius after a nigger dat stole a ham 

I tell ye we all kep' out o' sight 

When we heard dose hoofs on de groun' tram' 
tram'. 

•*' De time o' de wa' come 'roun' at las' 
An' my marser, he was jes' boun' to go 

Den somehow or other it came to pass 
Dat he 'sided dis nigger serve as befo*. 

"So off to de wa' we hurried on 

An' de lark wa' nebber a half so gay, 

"We thought we could lick all de Yankees bo'n 
Befo' breakfast somebody uster say. 

^* But when we came back de tune wa' changed 
An* de lark wa' plucked if I know my min'. 

So den come on freedom. All wa' 'ranged 
So's to suit de big folks 'cross de line. 

*' Den niggers all got so big a head 

Dat dey thought dey nebber would work no 
mo' 
But dance ebry night an' lay abed 

An' eat pie an' possum as nebber befo'. 



A RIVER DREAM 1/ 

** De ways ob de worl' am hard to tell 
But niggers fin' like de res' o' folks 

Dey haf to keep scramlin^ doin' well 

If dey keep de body an' soul from croaks." 

** Well Uncle, no doubt you wish old times 
Would come back again with their rounds of 
fun," 

*' My thoughts about dat soun' bad in rhymes 
An' I'm gettin' ol' to be totin' a gun ; 

" But truf mus' be tol' or nuffin' 'tall 

So den now I'm free I will speak my min', 

If ebber I hear de bugle call 

I will wade through blood into freedom's line." 



A RIVER DREAM 

We sat upon the river's brink 
And listened to its babbling 

Until the sun began to sink 
The rosy clouds bedappling. 



l8 A RIVER DREAM 

Chorus — 

Oh have you dreamt of rivers bright 

Through shady woodlands winding 
With heart that leaps in pure delight 

Of memories dear reminding? 

How sweet on balmy breezes brought 

The wild perfume of flowers ! 

How quick the notes of wood birds caught 

Receptive ears like ours 1 

> 

Chorus — Oh have you dreamt of rivers bright, 
etc. 

For then we dreamt of future bliss 

Far past the world denying, 
And there we pressed that sweetest kiss 

For which true hearts were sighing. 

Chorus — Oh have you dreamt of rivers bright, 
etc. 

But lo, the past is all a dream 

And once again in childhood 
We rove along that very stream 

At play beneath the wildwood. 



A RIVER DREAM I9 

Chorus — Oh have you dreamt of rivers bright^ 
etc. 

There stones and moss in shady nook 
We sought for hours together, 

Or dipped the baited anglers hook 
And fished in lowery weather. 

Chorus — Oh have you dreamt of rivers bright, 
etc. 

But now are others by our side, 
This blissful dream is changing. 

We feel at length parental pride 

Through woods with children ranging. 

Chorus — Oh have you dreamt of rivers bright, 
etc. 

And so reflecting on the past 

We see that winding river 
Where oft our happy lot was cast 

In dreams that last forever. 

Chorus — Oh have you dreamt of rivers bright, 
etc. 



20 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

Both old and young enjoy such dreams 

For thus the soul was moulded. 
In ages past we dwelt on streams 

And there our hearts unfolded. 

Chorus — Oh have you dreamt of rivers bright, 
etc. 

WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN, 

concealing and revealing gems from the 
borderland of knowledge. 

May wisdom, finding true expression 

Here couched in strange and varied rhyme, 
From ages dark with fierce oppression. 

Resound through corridors of time. 
Where harps respond to tones recurring 

In ancient chords from human hearts, 
A deepened sense of music stirring 

That man may guard his ancient arts. 



APOLOGY. 



At some remote forgotten date 
When men were wise and happy. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 21 

Before the ills since been their fate 

Had rendered half unhappy, 
There was a grand old mystic rite 

All nations celebrated, 
And by a dim but hallowed light 

Their precepts formulated. 

Their lessons from the stars were taught 

And names to these were given 
That truths to mind might e'er be brought 

To those who search the heaven. 
Such are the facts that move 

My erring pen to scribble 
Some things we never yet may prove 

And some that can be thribble. 

Some parts forsooth are backward penned 

And some are forward written 
But all at least the truth defend 

Or fit it like a mitten. 
Now after ages past and gone 

To learn the Mystic Seven 
We always must rely upon 

The stars we see in heaven. 



22 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

Candidate entering: — 

''What means that light that shines so bright? 

My thoughts it claims as if from flames 

Their essence came, or were the same, 

My head is dazed if not quite crazed 

By such a glare that draws me there 

And lures me on. Ah now 'tis gone, 

A little spark gleams through the dark — 

The spark of life with gladness rife 

Which all men strive to keep alive 

And cherish so their joys may glow. 

I'll take my turn and try to learn 

What that may be. What do I see? " 

A voice from withiji: — 

Hold young daring youth. 
Must thou know the truth? 
Trifle not in this. 
Seek elsewhere for bliss. 
Backward leads this light 
Through the gloom of night, 
Back to ancient times, 
Back to distant climes. 
First the peril know, 
Then, if thou wilt go. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 23 

Just to learn those things, 
Braving pains and stings 
Which the past has known, 
Go, but not alone. 
Ever at thy side 
Shall there be a guide. 
Heed his words and hold 
Firm, though scenes unfold 
That shall chill thy blood, 
Bring anon a flood 
Of hot tears, or strain 
All thy nerves with pain. 
Such has been the course 
Of that vital force 
Which thou seek to learn 
Which within must burn 
As it has before 
In thy sires of yore. 
That the heaving waves, 
Which the sailor braves, 
Stormy winds at night, 
Or the war's sad plight, 
Are like music sweet 
With which sirens greet 
When compared to this — 



24 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

Like a sweetheart's kiss, 
In embowered bliss 
To a serpent's hiss. 
O seek not abodes of death, 
But rather the vital breath, 
For onward thy being yearns 
To speed, as no flame returns 
To set the cold ash afire, 
Let hope of new life inspire 
And keep all thy passions strong 
That pilot the soul along. 
What sayest thou, go or stay? 
Inform me without delay. 

Candidate replies: — 

Winds may blow and the waves may roar 
As I go to that unknown shore. 
But my mind is now firmly set ; 
You will find all those dangers met 
With a heart that is brave and true 
And no part shall I ever rue. 

OATH 

Voice from within: — 

Then swear to be true to thyself and thy kind, 

Remember thou too hast no pelf and art blind. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 2$, 

The same as thou findest the case with thee now — 
This oath is to bind in this place thou must vow — 
Should others be found and their claims be 

made good 
Kind deeds shall abound and no blames under- 
stood 
Shall mar thy good name. This thou also must 

swear 
To see that no shame ever falls to thy share. 
Thy fathers behold thee thy sons shall recall 
Whose love should e'er hold thee responsive to- 
all. 
Their witness shall be lest thy troth be gain- 
said 
Then speak and be free be not loth nor afraid. 
Candidate repeats: — 

All this do I swear and my faith is now plighted 
To walk with all care where my path shall be 

lighted. 
My guide is not blind ; I will trust to his seeing- 
And follow behind for I must not be fleeing. 
I naught will reveal and no anger will cherish ; 
All secrets conceal though I hang till I perish. 
My name I declare is in truth just as follows 
By all that is fair though forsooth on the gallows. 



26 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

Guide Directs: — 

'' Let us ask of the Lord that His mercies be 

shown us 

May this task bring reward and no curses to 

harm. 

Since His will is Almighty we trust He will own 
us 

So while still in His sight never must take 

alarm." 

OPENING* SONG 

Chorus singing: — 

When men shall unite let their hearts form the 
union 
And good be the plan kept in view, 
Be praise to the right which shall have all 
dominion 
Though followers number but few ! 

The right is the end for which all should be 
longing 
And nothing should stand in its way, 
No creeds that may rend to the churches be- 
longing 
Or forms that but serve for display. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 2/ 

As much as our way may diverge from the 
rightful 
So much will our souls be to blame 
And no one should say though his heart may 
be spiteful 
Some other shall suffer the same. 

But those are not safe who proclaim their per- 
fection 

And call on the Lord the most loud, 
Or claim to vouchsafe to the soul a protection 

Not found to its goodness allowed. 

For error is sure in the end to be noted 

Bad plans can be never fulfilled, 
So only the pure in the heart are denoted 

To see in the end what they willed. 

Events of the past are all fitted together 
No change in them ever was made 

And all will at last be informed as to whether 
Their plans have been properly laid. 

For error is sure in the end to be noted ; 

Bad plans can be never fulfilled ; 
So only the pure in the heart are denoetd 

To see in the end what they willed. 



28 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

But those are not safe who proclaim their per- 
fection 

And call on the Lord the most loud, 
Or claim to vouchsafe to the soul a protection 

Nor found to its goodness allowed. 

As much as our ways may diverge from the 
rightful 
So much will our souls be to blame ; 
And no one should say though his heart may be 
spiteful 
• Some other shall suffer the same. 

The right is the end for which all should be 
longing 
And no one should stand in its way — 
No creeds that may rend to the churches be- 
longing 
Or forms that but serve for display. 

When men shall unite let their hearts form the 
union 
And good be the plan kept in view, 
Be praise to the right which shall have all 
dominion 
Though followers number but few ! 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 29 

Guide introduces © 

If now thy silent prayer is done 

And still thy courage holds, 
Give me thy hand. This course begun 
Ends not till much unfolds. 

Behold the golden eye of day, 

The sun whose rays outshine 
All other lights in grand array, 

His light our path defines. 

O master of the golden orb, 

Declare to us our course. 
From thee all things on earth absorb 

Their strength, their life and force. 

True symbol of the primal means 
By which all things are moved, 

We beg thee tell what wondrous scenes 
Thy searching glance hath proved, 

A CHARGE 

Master representing the Sun : — 
Oh youth, eternal thine estate. 

In thee the resurrection of the past 



30 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

Is made complete. That lofty trait 

That piercing glance thine haughty eye doth 
cast, 

That movement of thy shapely limb, 

But tells me of thy warrior sires. 
Shall years their hoary records dim? 

Or quench their soul's undying fires? 

In thee, the serf and king unite; 

In thee is blent the past of all thy race ; 
In thee the souls pre- Adamite 

Still dwell and lend thee yet their living 
grace. 
That calmness which can bring relief 

That courage which disdains despair 
Still tell us of their ancient grief, 

Their present love and watchful care. 

No wretch so low that treads the earth 

But harbors in his heaving l:reast the fate 
Of cherished souls that gave him birth, 

Thy kindred of the past whose love or hate 
Within thee burns at their disgrace 

And bids the succor their distress. 
When lines of anguish mark a face 

All feel the sadness they impress. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 3 1 

The highest care of life should be 

To keep those vital flames within unquenched, 
That life and love's undying glee 

May shed their glow upon thy race entrenched ; 
That thus the world more perfect made 

May be the heaven men have sought, 
That here a kingdom shall be laid 

As grand and good as love e'er wrought. 

I now command thee take the course 

That leads toward that orb whose crescent 
light 
Shall loose thy bonds and grant recourse 

To ancient times. Thy soul at dead of night 
Shall follow back to whence it came 

And guided by the planet's rays 
Shall learn what ages past proclaim. 

Behold what visions meet thy gaze ! 

HEREAFTER 
Chorus: — 

When the sun shall descend the stars will appear 

And the silvery moon illumine the earth. 
Then do birds of the air and squirrels repair 



32 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

To their nests in the oak 
Where their joys first awoke 
In the breath of sweet life that came with 
their birth. 

At the end of our day when life shall depart 
May the stars and the moon shed softly their 
light. 
May we feel in our heart, well done is our part 
And ofo back in our mind 
To the gladness we find 
In the course of a life well spent for the right. 

May the light from new worlds unseen in our day 
Bring its peace to our soul's departing at last. 
We can think as we may of passing away, 
But the life that we lead 
It is well we should heed 
And our duty be done before it is past. 

For the day of our life is never complete 

Till the morning, the noon, and the evening 
have come. 
Those who rise and compete with glory retreat 
And attain to their own. 
With a joy that is known 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 33 

But to those who have tried what life may 
become. 

At the noon of our life fond love we should know 
And behold in our children grace that is fair. 
May our souls in them show with a radiant glow, 
In the face at our knee 
In the moonlight we see 
At the evening of life. The soul has gone 
there. 

Guide: — 

Behold the crescent orb of night appears 
Fit emblem of the changeful course of years ; 
And now the dead of night at length draws nigh 
With glimmers of the past that flit before the eye. 

To the moon: — 

Oh moon, as on our souls the past is wrought 
Thy visage all its grace to mind has brought. 
We seek thy silent benediction now. 
Wilt thou safe passage to the past allow? 

To candidate again: — 

The heavy wheels of time must onward roll, 

But if thou heed the beckonings of thy soul 



34 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

The past will now its precious truths unfold. 
Have courage with thy manner not too bold. 

Representing D .• — 

Now backward at length may thy soul take its 

flight. 
Once more as a child shalt thou slumber to-night. 
Thy mothers embrace thee, thy fathers protect, 
And thus on these loved ones thy mind should 

reflect. 

The flames of their lives now encircle the earth 
Which kindled thy life into being at birth. 
All men are thy kindred and love for mankind 
Should make them thy brothers by ties that 
must bind. 

Thy path will now lead through a lodge of the 

past 
Where men once convened and their fortunes 

were cast. 
Its name has been called Mystic Seven of old. 
The astrologer's lesson we next will unfold. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 35 

THE ENGENDERED 

Beneath the starlit heavens 

Our ancient master strode. 
He taught the young of sevens 

That formed his sacred code. 

Of seven parts the godhead, 

Of seven spheres was space, 
And seven days embodied 

The round of weekly grace. 

And first the will of heaven 

Our master did esteem 
The lord of all the seven 

Whose glory is supreme. 

So Jove, that shines most brightly 

Of all the stars we see, 
Was hailed as ruler nightly 

Of all on land or sea. 



And next the power he guided 
Was called the ruler's son. 



36 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

As day from night divided 
Behold the glorious sun ! 

For now the sunbeams flashing 
Proclaim the lord of day, 

Across the heavens dashing 
No might his course can stay. 

And so our source of power 
Becomes to us its sign. 

Before it all must cower 
Both mortal and divine. 



Third Logos gained attention 
Of all the powers that be, 

To prove a grand intention 
To show the perfect three. 

See Mercury half hiding 

Within the sun's bright rays 

To teach us of confiding 
In Wisdom's holy ways. 

Of Thot on winged sandals 
We tell each Wednesday eve. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 37 

And burn the seven candles 
To show what we believe. 

h 

And next to distant Saturn 
With rings to ancients known, 

They pointed as a pattern 

With boundless space was shown. 

Around his path so slowly 

He leads his silent train, 
That people high and lowly 

Proclaimed his solemn reign. 

This son of Coelus merits 

Creation's mighty realm. 
His throne of space inherits 

From him who holds the helm. 



But Mars we see up yonder 
That glows so fiery red, 

His rays inspire with wonder 
As darts and spears with dread. 



38 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

He hurls his shafts so truly 
To distant parts of space, 

That all creation duly 

Is warned in every place. 

With truth his spears are pointed 
The very quick to sting, 

And at the time appointed 
Disclosing everything. 

For all we know of matter 

Must come through space to us, 

And rays like darts must scatter 
For one to feel it thus. 



So next, and most delightful 
Is Veuus, lovely star; 

The name we give is rightful, 
No faults its beauty mar. 

With love and joy is ended 
The story planets tell ; 

And through it all is blended 
The truth we love so well. 



i 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 39 

For now the moon appearing, 

Illumes the silent night, 
As through the darkness peering 

We see its crescent light. 

Of time it tells the story, 

Of changes and events ; 
Diana in her glory 

The gloom of night prevents. 

Our ancient master teaches 

His lessons day by day ; 
Through names his wisdom reaches 

The humblest of tlje lay. 



Guide introducing Hermes: — 

We now shall hear in turn, 
What planets tell of nature ; 

From them we hope to learn 

The truths which all should treasure. 

Swift Hermes circles first 
Around the source of power. 

Like dainty budlet nursed 
Beside a full blown flower. 



40 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

All kinds of beauty wrought, 
Designs, or crystals moulded, 

Were fashioned first in thought 
Before their forms unfolded. 

And all more wondrous seem 
The nearer to the atoms ; 

Thus microbes lustrous gleam 

And more like thinking phantoms. 

The lily's blushing tints 
On sweetly scented petal 

May give the artist hints 

And try the chemist's metal. 

But cells have made those paints, 
And oils so sweetly scented ; 

And wrought without complaints 
The beauteous plans presented. 

Yon twinkling planet shines. 

Fleet Mercury belated ; 
Of thought and fair designs 

A symbol justly rated. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 4I 

He teaches us to seek 

In every part for learning ; 
With open hearts and meek, 

No source of wisdom spurning. 



PROVE WISDOM 

Representing ^ / — 

Oh Man, how little you know with so keen a 
mind ! 
Your wisdom is folly compared to the plan 
By which your body was formed, where by 
instinct blind 
Each cell does the best for the whole that it 
can. 

Yes, blind to all but its duty it does its part. 
Thus man were he blind to himself and the 
wrong, 
Might serve the body of men with his wisdom 
and subtle art, 
As birds in the spring to the world sing their 
song. 



42 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

But here and now it appears to most that we find, 

Is all that is worthy of notice to them. 
No other race and no other degree but the class 
defined, 
Is quite like themselves and all else they 
contemn. 

** What fools were heathen of old when they 
worshipped stars," 
Says one. ''And again when they named 
them from gods," 
Another echoes, " As Saturn and Venus, Mars, 
And all of the planets. Their names make no 
odds." 

^* And strangely we find that the days of the 
week are named 
From deities they must have vainly adored, 
The same in fact with the planets as some have 
claimed," 
Thus ancient knowledge is scoffed and ab- 
horred. 

Another answers perchance and remarks quite 
cool: 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 43 

''These ancients might worship some attri- 
butes then 
Of God or nature and not after all play the fool, 

Bui still they were not quite as smart as our 
ten." 

Arabian, Hindu, and Chinaman each is sure 
That all but his people are nothing but fools ; 

And Christians, scientists, all Europeans lure 
Themselves into thinking how grand are their 
schools. 

Who built that pile to the sun in remote Baalbec? 
What fool would you think could design such 
a style ; 
Or ruins Egypt has left as a nation's wreck 
Where pyramids, columns, and sphinxes may 
smile? 

Then ancient ruins of thought may be found in 
names 
And words which, if studied, produce grand 
results ; 
So never think that the past is not all that it 
claims, 
And proves that it is " hearty food for adults." 



44 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

Then insects, birds, and our animal neighbors- 
too. 
And creatures too small to be seen with our 
eyes. 
All have their traits, and in getting their food, 
they do 
Just what is found best for their needs and 
their size. 

Some microbes live but a day and their course' 
is run. 

Unless they may live but a part of some life,^ 
Like those we find in a body that war as one 

No matter how many may die in the strife. 

From all these beings we learn if the truth we- 
see, 
That much still remains for the wise to find out, 
And prove that all are not fools that may seem 
to be, 
To those who are careless in looking about. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 45 

CREATION FOR GOD'S GLORY, NOT 

MAN'S 

^Chorus: — 

Why bloom in sweet perfection 

The roses in the dale ; 
'Mid thorns for their protection 

By springs that never fail? 

Oh brightly spotted adder 
Why coil yourself to spring 

On birds? To make us sadder 
Because they cease to sing? 

You mild-eyed hooting jester 

Soft downy feathered owl, 
Why tear the plumed songster 

Or pampered farm-yard fowl? 

To spoil for us our dinner 

In want of better sport? 
Or do you play the sinner, 

And our forgiveness court? 

■ Why yelps the wild fox nightly 
Behind the chicken'^ coop ? 



46 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

He surely guesses rightly — 
We want them for our soup. 

But man, both slow at guessing, 
And seldom seeing right, 

Deceives himself, professing 
To know it all at sight. 

These creatures that surround us 
Have longings in their hearts 

That often may confound us, 
And baffle all our arts. 

While even plants that flower. 
Select the choicest spot. 

And prove the subtle power 
That guards them in their lot. 

That man is gone with madness 
Who thinks that only he 

Was made to feel the gladness 
Of all the things we see. 

But life for all is pleasure. 
And nothing is in vain. 

If good for all we treasure 
Apart from selfish gain. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 47 

THE TRESTLEBOARD 
Guide: — 

Next we find our trestleboard 
Must be explained and noted ; 

Its points and lines afford 
A clue to work devoted. 

Seven paths are weekly trod, 

With seven resting places, 
Each of these should teach of|God 

And all His love embraces. 

Seven planets give them name, 
In order strictly mentioned. 

Attributes of Him proclaim, 
And prove all well-intentioned. 

So our trestleboard is found 

Designed upon this basis, 
Seven points by lines are bound, 

Which thus a star form traces. 

Seven questions mind may ask 

Of nature and her magfic, 
Reason finds a noble task. 

But answers by her logic. 



.48 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

Marking well these points and lines, 
Swift Hermes speaks again. 

Here ttie truth of God's designs 
Are shown once more to men. 

WHENCE THE ELEMENTS 

.$ again: — 

Of seventy elements or more 
In varied combinations formed, 

All things are known through chemic lore 
To be produced to laws conformed. 

From crude, coherent poison drug. 
To fruit of tropic, wholesome food. 

From clod of earth to humble bug 

These things compose the good and rude. 

Yet when we view them close we find 
That these but differ in the way. 

The forms of energy combined 

To make them facts that last for aye. 

All change in this relates to force ; 

And force depends on laws of space ; 
.And this implies one common source ; 

That source to thought like ours we trace. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 49 

For thought forms plans, and plans when 
formed 

Must prove an author thought them out, 

So reason proves to be the ground 

Of action in ourselves and all about. 

Perception, thought and will are parts 
That form the mind, but whence has come 

This mind that all our joy imparts? 
Indeed all things contain its sum. 

The life of man is but a plan 

That lasts some seventy years or more. 
The child must grow to be a man, 

And tread the paths all trod before. 

So this life's lesson is reviewed, 
And each by all is taught the way 

That leads to right, the wrong eschewed, 
For nature seldom leads astray. 

All plans united into one 

The great eternal whole must make 
And thus we end where all begun 

In God whose love all lives partake. 



50 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

STAR OF WISDOM 

Ch»rus: — 

Star of wisdom all divine ! 
Fill our souls with light of thine. 
Rounds of ages we are living, 
To the future life are giving. 
Perfect be this life of ours 
To impart its sacred powers. 

Childhood blessed with holy charm, 
Manhood reared to might of arm, 
Maiden virtue most becoming, 
All inspire through ages coming 
Confidence and grace unended. 
Precious life by these defended ! 

Every part of life's short span 
Proves the art of wisdom's plan. 
Through it all we can detect 
Changing moods that help protect. 
To, review life's round of blessing 
Is our object of progressing. 
Hail to Thot, the holy word, 
Holy Ghost, and sacred bird ! 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 5 1 

Guide: — 

Thy mind should now be turned 
To thoughts of love and glory 

From Venus may be learned 
That precious old old story, 

SOCIALISM OF LOVE 

Representing 9 

If thou wotildst know the joys of life 

And reach a noble ending. 
Be never slow to meet its strife 

Nor wait for help and lending. 
For he is only half a man 

Who does not make his living 
But rests upon that other plan — 

To live by others giving. 

Now it is best each one be tried 

To prove his strength to master, 
And put to test whate'er betide 

That all improve the faster ; 
For those are left who fall behind 

And waste their time in dreaming, 
While those more deft and not so blind 

Win life with pleasures teeming. 



52 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

But every one should have a chance 

As good as any other. 
The wise and good may thus advance 

The weak ones be no bother. 
Then it is only fair that these 

As brothers be regarded 
That all may do the way they please 

With interests safely guarded. 

If people want their burdens light 

Then all should help to carry. 
When each shall use his brain and might 

Why need the poor to tarry? 
For half the world is idle now 

And half the good things wasted, 
And half the rest we must allow 

Were better never tasted. 

Now rights are granted by the laws 

Which people think are rightful, 
And well we know they are the cause 

Of many things delightful. 
But laws should change when out of date 

To suit the new conditions, 
And now we find their present state 

May need a few additions. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 53 

For now we have machines and tools 

And swift communication 
Atjlength there is no need of fools 

To 'drudge, with education. 
So let the lash be laid aside 

With work at length a pleasure, 
Since, now it is the knaves take pride 

In boasting of their treasure. 

The game of life has laws we find 

For safety must be followed, — 
Thus, if the big fish are behind, 

Some minnows will be swallowed. 
But nature and not wealth has made 

The balance of our power. 
And those who shall her laws evade 

Beneath her might must cower. 

So it-;is best for every race 

Thatlall should win their stations, 
Then, when the weak ones fall apace, 

No bid one grabs their rations. 
When none can build his house on wealth 

And each must use his talents. 
Then all will find in strength and health 

That nature holds the balance. 



54 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

Thus Venus lead the way to love 

With joy and every blessing. 
To nature's path she points above 

The truth to all confessing; — 
That life is sweet and must be spared 

And won each generation. 
No future hope can be compared 

To this sure affirmation. 



I 



EQUITY, THE WORLD'S NEED 

Chorus: — 

The cataract's booming torrent swells 

The sum of human power. 
The breeze that once sighed through the forest 
tells 

Who built the windmill tower. 

And deep from the coal mine comes the force 

That turns so many a wheel ; 
One asks in his heart — "■ Will time in its course 

The ills of the poor man heal? " 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 55 

The ocean tides may bring new means 

To add to human might, 
The flames from the crater's awful scenes 

May furnish electric light ; 

But while a few unfairly keep 

The stock of human wealth, 
Full many may turn from toil to sleep 

In hunger and ill health. 

Now when, at length, some electric light 

Shall shine upon the moon, 
We hope it may flash to all in sight 

The news of our greatest boon — 

That all hereafter shall start out fair 

On the road for comforts here, 
The good of all to be their care 

And failure not to fear. 

For while the souls of rich and poor 
Are turned from nature's course. 

At some time mingling blood is sure 
To bring its own remorse. 



56 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

LOVE'S ADVICE 

9 again: — 

Kind nature now our servant 

Should be our only slave, 
Grown wise and more observant 

Mankind its own should save ; 
Should spare the widow's weeping, 

Supply the orphan's needs, 
While bounteous harvests reaping 

Should rise to nobler deeds. 

But can this be expected 

While men for wealth compete ? 
And he is most respected 

Who can his neighbor beat? 
The power of the nations 

Should hold such lust in check. 
Till none shall know privations 

That make of life a wreck. 

While great may be the power 
That some may justly win. 

As mighty oaks that tower 
From tiny shoots begin ; 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 57 

So each should start out lowly 

And grow to fill his place. 
At first it should be slowly 

For good to win the race. 

For sudden acquisitions 

With folly will be spent 
And broaden class divisions, 

Since few can be content 
To use their own resources 

When others are in hand. 
Temptations luring forces 

Weak men cannot withstand. 

To give a man a fortune 

He does not fairly earn 
Must some way bring misfortune, 

For each must take his turn, 
And justice is essential 

Id all the laws of life. 
To right of deferential 

May men thus end their strife. 

When nations of hereafter 

Shall occupy the earth, 
May hills resound with laughter 



58 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

And vales be filled with mirth. - 
May all men live as brothers 

And share their happy lot 
Each blessing all the others 

With enmity forgot. 



PREPARE FOR LIGHT 

Guide: — 

Guard well thine eyes. Our pathway lies 
Straight hence toward the blazing sun. 

Once more prepare. Let not despair 
Turn thee aback from right begun, 

For sages old have ever told 

That maxim grave, — '' Turn not from right," 
But bravely strive, while yet alive 

To learn the truth and seek for light. 

What though the past return at last 

That worshipped sunlight and the dawn ? 

We still may find another kind 
Of wisdom then, not wholly gone. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 59 

In every myth there is a pith 

That swells the sum of human lore. 

Did sun gods stand on every hand 
E'er heroes all their titles bore ? 

Each virgin-born on Christmas morn 

In lowly cave or manger laid, 
Whose head has shone as sun alone 

With light could shine and never fade. 

Strange works the sun has always done ! 

As on its journey north it goes, 
It brings to life what winter's strife 

Has slain by all our dreaded foes. 

Three days in hell did heroes dwell 
That from the sun their likeness drew. 

A cross each bore in days of yore 
As saving grace to men if true. 

The world is wide. On every side 

We find these myths were known and told 

From Afric wild to Asia mild 
And Mexico in days of old. 



6o WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

A triune god on every sod 

Whereon the sun has shone we find. 
The second one in truth the sun — 

Osiris, Chrishna, Buddha kind. 

Quetsalcohuatle with wrong did battle 
Whose Indian temples bore thy name, 

Oh Sun. Declare to wisdom's heir — 
Thy secrets to this youth proclaim. 



THE SUN'S VIEW 

Representing ©.• — 

Children of this lesser sphere, 

Hear me now and nothing fear. 

I have viewed this world while rolling 

On through space like demon strolling ; 

Viewed it with this thought consoling, 

Life is there if nothing here — 

Life that all have found most dear, 

Though it bring so oft a tear. 

When I watch yon church bells tolling 

Call the crowds to faith-controlling, 

And the mystic rites I see, 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 6l 

That I know refer to me ; 

Then at last do I remember 

Of my birthday in December, 

In the sign that rules September — 

Virgo or Maya may be — 

As the name now comes to me. 

All the world both land and sea 

Was at peace in every member — 

Filled with love like glowing ember. 

As I glanced upon the earth 

All proclaimed my joyous birth. 

For ten thousand years abiding 

Was that peace and all confiding, 

Till at length there came dividing 

In a season fraught with death. — 

Till the races ceased from mirth 

While they counted every worth 

With the wicked over-riding. 

Then the virgin was presiding 

In the holy month of May. 

In the lamb was solstice day. 

For the scroll of heaven turning 

With each equinox returning 

Wrought its change, all nature spurning. 

Though twelve thousand years away, 



62 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

In the past, your sages say, 
When they sing in roundelay, 
Was the golden age of learning, 
But they little know concerning 
All the changes that took place 
On the earth before my face. 
For I saw Atlantis sinking 
With its millions little thinking 
They would perish in a blinking. 
Then I saw on every race 
Changes wrought that I could trace 
Through events more commonplace. 
You will find my stories linking 
From your purpose never shrinking 
That my words are safe and true. 
All these things I show to you 
As the judge of all creation. 
Seeing good in every nation 
I proclaim my celebration. — 
Each two thousand years I do 
As I pass before your view — 
Now in Scorpio nearly due 
Is my birthday ordination 
Past the bowman's constellation. 
For your era was begun 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 6$ 

^t the very time your sun 
Passed within this sign I mention, 
And I hereby call attention 
To a very good intention 
To begin the count with one 
When the Archer's age is done, 
Since I am the triune son. 
Now without a hesitation 
You proceed to consummation. 



ATLANTIS 

^Chorus: — 

Often think of the land of the blest 
That was sunk in the eddying ocean, 

For its standard of right is our quest 
To restore to our children their portion, 

We are told that to each at his birth 
A proportionate share was provided 

Of the whole that accrued to the worth 
Of the world with its wealth undivided. 



64 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

The Essenes and the earliest sect 

Of the Christians and Therepeut doctors 

Have declared that the strong should protect 
And should be to the weak benefactors. 

That the greatest should be as the least 

And should serve in his sphere like another, — 

Not usurp to himself like a beast 

All the goods of the earth from his brother. 

Thus a lifetime annuity brings 

As each adds on his 3^early accretion 

A most happy adjustment of things, 

Since all seek to improve their condition. 

Let us take our next step in advance 
On the course of our grand evolution. 

In good time like a tune of the dance, 
And lead on to the right resolution. 

THE LEAST WRONG MAY BE FATAL 

Guide: — 

Our ancient magicians long taught it was right 

To labor by day and to rest by the night. 

In strength thus renewd and in toil is delight. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 65 

They said that the sun on its path to the west 
Would never turn backward nor stop for a rest 
Till darkness had come with its silent behest. 

If only a minute the sun had been turned 
To move on a course to the east unconcerned 
The truth of their maxim would surely be 
learned. — 

Two minutes behind would its course have been 

run, 
Two minutes too late had the twilight begun, 
Its place in the heavens could never be won. 

So those who have tried all their lives to be 

good, 
And turn for a moment to wrong understood, 
Can never climb back where they ought to have 

stood. 

Now guard thy steps for many meet 
With strange mishaps along this road. 

We trust that now thou art discreet. 
And wrong assume thou wilt unload. 



66 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

LIFE'S PATH 

© again : — 

Between two lofty mountain peaks 
Is stretched a narrow silken band, 

And over this whoever seeks 

For life must gain the promised land. 

The slightest error or mishap 

Will send thee headlong far below. 

Unlike a gentle mother's lap 

Is spread that valley broad and low. 

For in it dwell the monstrous herds 
Of evils dire destructions brood, 

That from it rise like carrior birds 

And forth their gruesome heads protrude. 

This is the path of life for all, 

And while we pass this dizzy height 

How many slip and downward fall 
To depths of sorrow's awful plight ! 

But, guided by the star of love 
And guarded by the watchful care 

Of souls that reached their place above, 
A few will win their mansions there. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 6/ 

For life is grand when once attained 

With all the glory of the race, 
When spread to all and thus maintained, 

No chance its glory can efface. 



SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS 

Chorus: — 

Wheresoe'er the Sun doth shine 
In its glory all divine 
From its rising to decline, 

All the nations of mankind 

Tell in allegory blind 

Of a man most wondrous kind, 

Who the blessed precepts told 
Nobler life thereby to mould 
With the sinful well controlled. 

But the wicked ever rise 

Like the clouds in fairest skies, 

Thus the wrong all right defies. 



68 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

So within God's holy church, 
Wrongs will come like birds to perch 
In the nitches hard to search ; 

But behold the eye of day 
Drives the darkest clouds away, 
And we trust his light will stay. 

On the cross of Calvary 
Shine, O sun, that all may see 
What thy glorious truth may be ! 

In thy light all life has grown. 
Evolutions it has shown. 
By progression it is known, 
Living forms were all produced. 
To a science quite reduced. 
Truths from life are thus deduced. 

Traces left in ancient stones. 
Footprints there, and fossil bones. 
Tell their truths in thunder tones ; 
While the deeper student finds 
Food for more reflective minds 
In life's varying modes and kinds. 



WORK^'OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 69 

So the soul of man was made, 
Rising slowly grade by grade. 
May its glories never fade ! 
Search, O sun, for truth and right ! 
Shed on all thy glorious light ! 
Lead us back from error's night ! 

Guide: — 

Once more the sun in glory passed, 
We meet with Mars of warlike fame. 

But here we find his virtues classed 
With those more worthy of the name. 

The truth by him will be revealed 

As truths are shown throughout all space, 

For nothing ever is concealed 
And time cannot the truth efface. 



LOGIC OF PERPETUAL VERITIES 

Representing $ : — 

Some truth or reality surely exists, 

Or nothing would l?e which is never true ; 

Since nothing is that of which nothing consists, 
And truth is a basis that none can rue. 



70 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

Then time is a verity sure as a fact 
That never was anything true without 

And space we assume before something is lacked 
And truth is discovered nowhere about. 

Now change is another undoubted affair 

That makes the connection of time and space. 

Without it no time and no need of a where 
And with it we find that the truth has place. 

But change from the truth we could never 
believe, 

At once in two places is not the same, 
And change out of space is no truth we conceive 

Nor entering space where it never came. 

So change to no space or to points must relate 
That move in a manner to make all change. 

And since that is true for all space in each state 
Some truth must communicate truth through 
its range. 

In spite of all verities truth must remain 
Perception is therefore, the plain result 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 7 1 

Preventing the changes which time must main- 
tain 
From changing the truths which we now 
consult. 

Now change is a truth yet a change in the true 
And changing of time is a truth of course, 

But change in a change with a change of time 
too 
Perceived as a truth must be caused by force. 

So force must be true and by truth be explained, 
Explaining be true and the truth made plain, 

Perception of changes in truth be retained, 
Thus reason be true and some truth contain. 

Whence matter must be the first truth we de- 
duced 
The cause of perception through space and 
time, 
But changes in matter are ever produced 
By forces that act on a plan sublime. 

That plan must be based on the truth as 
perceived 
Designing relations in space. Then force 



72 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

Must act as a will by the plan thus conceived 
Producing all change by the truest course. 

Thus force or the will by all changes is proved. 

Occasioned by time which depends on change, 
It acts upon matter perceived to be moved 

To bring about order and truth arrange. 

Then space was a verity shown at the start 
Where truths all exist and designs are formed, 

And time is another we prove in part 

By change of perception of truth informed. 

Then reason we know to be based on the true 
Occasioned by changes it forms designs, 

Preserving the truth and is brought to view 
By order perceived which the will combines. 

Perception by reason of time is explained 

And space where the changes of truth take 
place. 
Since will and the reason as truths are main- 
tained. 
Perception is pleasure or pain as may be the 
case. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 73 

Now change will complete the verities shown, 
Vis viva we call it in matter found 

Directed by force, based on plans not alone 
Depending on matter but change all 'round. 

When these are complete in an infinite sphere, 
Pure joy is the end and result of all, 

But error is finite and pain is here 

Commingled with joy as the lot may fall. 

If plans that are good and on truths are well 
based 

With effort to help them are wrought by each, 
Much pain in the finite is then effaced ; 

So that is the way for the world to teach. 

But infinite wisdom and infinite will, 

All-powerful truth and prevailing might, 

Eternal and infinite joy must fulfill 

And God is the sum of all truth and right. 



74 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

TRUTH 

Chorus: — 

Oh warrior bold we now behold 
Thy power that none can shake. 

From olden time we learn in rhyme 
How truth makes error quake. 

Thy first rebuff is quite enough 
For wiseacres to take. 



ROUND OF NATURE 

again: — 
To review the round of nature 

Trying treasured truths to teach, 
Is no newly found adventure. 

Rules recalled right reasons reach. 

Men have long been seeking vainly 
Better being's broader base ; 

But along with freaks have mainly 
Found fair fortune's friendly face. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 75 

Ancients scanned the distant heavens 
Thinking this then thinking that. 

As they planned by mystic sevens 
Seers 'side sages sternly sat. 

Evolutions now are lusty 

Dimly dawning during doubt. 
Resolutions vow them trusty 

Raising rash religious rout. 

We have heard a queer assertion 
Which would worry were we wont 

Undeterred from sheer aversion, — 
*' How hard holy hatreds hunt." 

Some predict with cold most biting 

Frigid frosts for future fate, 
Some more strict but old in writing 

Breath by burning blazes bate. 

Now the mean, no wild assumption, 

We will warrant worthy well 
Of a clean and mild presumption 

Trusting truth to try to tell. 



76 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

All the stars by slow additions 

Gradually greater grow. 
Time debars by no conditions 

Stern statistics standing so. 

Heat with mass alike increasing 

As attractions atoms add, 
Star lives pass not likely ceasing 

Free from foolish freezing fad. 

From their surface gauged by squaring 

Rays redundant radiate, 
Which like purpose waged unsparing 

Space sparse spangled spatiate. 

Volumes more than areas gaining. 
Moving masses mainly make 

Heat to store, which, e'er remaining, 
Torrid temper tends to take. 

Why within the earth is heated. 
Question querists quibbling quite, 

What they win of worth, defeated, 
Rarely reasoning really right. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 'JJ 

Moon and sun by side attraction 
Cause in crumbling crowning crust 

Heating done by tidal action 

Through the thermal thickness thrust. 

Moons are cold, the planets warmer, 
Silent star suns scorching send 

Heat untold more than the former. 
Each enlarging, equals end. 

As from steam the raindrops forming 
Dripping, drizzling, downward drop ; 

So in streaming trains earth storming 
Sparkling star specks stranded stop. 

Stars thus grow by laws unchanging 

Heating hotter, heated hot. 
It is so. One Cause arranging 

Laws long lasting lofty lot. 

Then the flashing ones that vary 
Brightly burn by bursting bond ; 

Like our dashing sons unwary 
Dudish dickeys duly donned. 



78 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

From these suns less dense in matter 
Growing gasy getting great, 

All at once off thence may scatter 
Substance in some super-state. 

Thus inverse this cosmic story, 
Rationale repeating round. 

Times reversed because more hoary, 
Gladly gaining goodly ground. 

Not begun and still not ending 
Time transforms teetotally. 

What is done. His Will intending, 
Ever ends eternally. 

Hence the plan we see at present 

As assurance answers all 
Seems for man to be most pleasant 

Fearing future frightful fall. 

We can tell when mites we number 
Wherefore whirling worlds will wax. 

All is well if nights we slumber, 
Love long lasting little lacks. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 79 

But to show the way eternal 
Trust to time's triumphant test. 

Wait, if slow that day supernal, 
Bearing bravely being best. 

RIGHT AND TRUTH 

Chorus: — 

For us the polar star 

Eternal vigil keeps 
While southern cross gleams far 

An antipode on deeps. 
The constellations bright 

In zodiac may shine 
On all with changing light 

They rise but soon decline. 

Thus men and nations rise 

And sink again to dust. 
While right in cloudless skies 

And truth command our trust. 
The stormy deep of life 

By these bright guiding stars, 
We cross through pain and strife 

And safely pass its bars. 



So WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

No change of day or night 

Can dim their lasting glow, 
As high above us right 

Out shines all wrong below ; 
And truth eternal stands 

A guard though deep concealed, 
And though in distant lands 

Its lustre be revealed. 

Guide: — 

We next shall be taught by the power of will 
How all things are wrought by omnipotence still, 
For Jupiter meant God the father to all 
E'er worst came to worst and our race came to 
fall. 



ONE ONLY RULES 

Representing 21 

Unchanging are the laws of God, 
For all His ways are right, 

And though He wields a heavy rod 
The atoms feel His might. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 8 1 

Through time's eternal ceaseless change 

His Will remains the same ; 
And through all space's unbounded range 

All beings own His name. 

To know His ways we need not seek 

For strange uncommon acts, 
From doubtful supernatural freak, 

But learn of common facts. 

From everything and everywhere 

We learn the selfsame laws 
And common things with common care 

Best prove the primal cause. 

That cause we know is always One 

Who guides our erring feet, 
For when at length our strife is done 

We see that all was meet. 

But One I say and well I may 

For hope and vain desire 
Are all of will our hearts obey 

Until we seek the higher. 



82 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

Now hopes well based on perfect plans- 
Such plans as are most wise — 

Are nearest wrought by Him who scans 
The schemes our hearts devise. 



Some dwellers on an atom taught 
That all creation homage brought 

To them, 
Because the things they sought 
Were mostly what their money bought, 
And so they thought that all was wrought 

For them. 

But they were not so wise 

As they appeared to .selfish eyes 

At least, 
And nature's cool disguise 
Had kept the secret of their size, 
Until their lies which truth defies 

Decreased. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 83 

And then these creatures found 

How slight their reason small their ground 

For bragSj 
And now they look around 
To see what glory may redound 
If kingly crowned or silken gowned 

In rags ; 

For people after all 

Are sometimes clad both great and small 

In these. 
Whatever may befall 

As babes they crawl they spew and squall 
And so withal men rise and fall 

To please 

Some other being yet 

And in the end themselves forget, 

When lo, 
The great '* I am " has set 
A limit net to joy and fret, 
They now regret life's needless debt 

Of woe. 



84 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

Deep in the nature of all mankind 

Lie the truths of life that the race has 
discovered. 
Often their promptings incite the blind 

Who may feel their way till life's path be 
recovered. 

Faith is a guide if that faith be true 

And well founded in right which the feelings 
can sanction. 
Error in this some will surely rue 

When they miss in the future a heavenly 
mansion. 

Mansions of life are the soul's abode 

For the quickening spirits of blest ones to 
enter — 
Not for the selfish with sinful load 

Since the spirit's true bliss in its loved ones 
must center. 

Straight is the way through the narrow gate 
And but few may attain to the life they are 
seeking, 
Naught but destruction, the bad await 

Till they feel the swift vengeance stern justice 
is wreaking. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 8$ 

Life thou must seek that with love is filled 
For the love of thy fathers to all has been 
given ; 
Good thou must seek till thy heart be stilled, 
And thou findest in children the kingdom of 
heaven. 



THE VOICE OF OUR FATHERS 

Chorus: — 

In my heart, in my heart, 

A voice is calling loud — 
Calls for song — calls so long, 

Such yearnings be allowed. 
From the past it comes to me, 
Now at last I hear and see. 

Let us all heed the call 

That comes so clear and true. 

We are told men of old 

Have bled for me and you. 

Let us keep the good they gave, 

Let us reap, and let us save. 



86 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

Children we all must be 
Of noble sires and good. 

Happy lot, ne'er forgot, 
But little understood ! 

Yes their love supplies our needs 

As the dove its young one feeds. 

Through the will ruling still 
They guide our wayward feet ; 

They can chide, they decide 
And wrong in us defeat. 

We should know their care is sure, 
High or low their love is pure. 

Bells may toll for the soul 
Or ring both loud and clear, 

But the way spirits say 

They left this mortal sphere. 

Was in health while life was sweet, 
Not by stealth cold death to greet. 

Sparks may creep, flames can leap. 
All life can grow and spread, 

Heed my words. Life affords 
One path for all to tread. 

It is straight and narrow too, 

Be not late to choose the true. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 8/ 

CREDO 

Candidate: — 

I believe in one Father almighty, director of all, 
But conceive of Him rather from right and 

correctly withal 
Since His ways are most just and the same for 

all time and all space. 
He betrays not my trust for my aim is to climb 

in His grace. 

While no man by bold art can portray His true 

form or His mind, 
Yet we can with pure heart still obey though 

the storm without blind, 
Since He tells us within of His goodness and 

justice His cause. 
Where He dwells is no sin for the good place 

their trust in His laws. 

Not in books nor in men nor in aught they have 

said do I trust 
For it looks as if then were I caught and were 

led by their lust. 



88 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

Or perhaps by some scheme they have planned 

to control all my means, 
By their traps which they deem I will stand 

paying toll to their deans. 

Never so for one master I own and no more 

will I choose. 
High, or low, first, as last, though alone and 

pressed sore, I will loose 
All the earth but will not for a moment desert 

what is right. 
Of what worth were my lot should I know that 

Thou wert not my light. 

Oh thou spirit of man and thou soul of our 

mothers give heed. 
Be ye near as ye can and console all our brothers 

in need, 
For our way is not long on the journey of life 

to its end ; 
Keep us gay is my song and from worry and 

strife e'er defend. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 89 

FURTHER LIGHT 

Guide: — 

In tracing a star from points seven in number, 
Three orders are found without changing rote. 

These forms we explain lest thy mind we 
encumber 
With reasons unfounded or thoughts remote. 

The first is the order wherein is developed 
The powers of nature we now will show. 

First, infinite Will, God the Father enveloped 
In mystery deep, rules the high and low. 

His son that He guides throughout all creation, 
Is light of all light and the sun of suns — 

Vis viva pervading through every formation— 
For power almighty through nature runs. 

The third is the planning whereby the designer 
Completes the grand unit the great triune — 

The order of space is thus rendered diviner, 
Whence truth and perception and last the 
moon. 



90 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

And time is the last to be ever engendered 
For never complete can this eon be, 

So being for all will be never endangered 

While birth of the youngest brings endless 
glee. 

Beginning with this comes the order of planets. 

This ending with space, we then will learn 
Why days of the week help to prove the grand 
tenets 

By leading up steps we must take in turn. 

The planet design is of circles concentered — 
We figure again from our trestleboard, 

And deep was the reasoning someone once 
entered 
As shown from the works of the past restored. 

For space is the outer and time is the inner. 
As one all embraces the other is all embraced — 

The moon in the center with planets about her 
Embracing, embraced in the order traced. 

Exclusion, inclusion, and juxtaposition, 
The order we find in this planet scheme, 

Give proof a law of essential relation 

As found throughout nature once known we 
deem. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 9I 

ABRAXAS 

The pyramid too i.s a symbol we use 

To show thee how firmly our reasons are 
founded. 
May life from the past through thy veins still 
infuse 
New hope for the future on certainty grounded. 

So broad is the basis that nature has laid, — 
So grand the foundation of earth and of heaven, 

That space can alone be never gainsaid 

In time the prerequisite truth of the seven. 

This fact must have moved the great sages of old 
Who built the strange temples of worship to 
planets 
To rear them in stages like truths which they 
told, 
The object of all things raised high on their 
summits. 

Thus each in its place bore relations defined 
To all that below it or over it rested, 

While those underneath were all needed in kind, 
To hold up the rest in the place they were 
tested. 



92 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

These truths are so boundless — withal so distinct 
No doubt can be raised of their infinite nature, 

And break is not found when in chains they are 
linked, 
By metaposition arranged peradventure. 

Does anyone hint that sevens once sealed 
In mystic Apocolypse ever denoted 

What Babel's great tower to Accad revealed, 
His thoughts to improvement were better 
devoted. 

But when thou hast gained the summit of lore, 
Just glance for a moment to what is suggested 

And see for thyself pearls that prophets of yore 
Cast not before swine lest they all be molested. 

Behold these perfections are there to be found, 
The spirits of God they are called in allusion. 

United as infinites firmly are bound — 
Ineffable One as we find in conclusion. 



The vaulted blue we now review 
Where Saturn wields the sceptre. 

There rays of light illume its night 
To banish every spectre. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 93 

From tiny mite through awful height, 
These rays have searched creation ; 

So they should tell who know so well 
Prime truths and their relation. 



RESUME IN THIRD ORDER 

The rays of light from stars above, 
Disclose what wonders there abound, 

And thus inspiring nature's love 

They fill the mind with thoughts profound, 
But clearly prove there is no bound 

To space through which they ever rove. 

Thus from the starry crown of night 

Has come to us an aged ray, 
And since he truly speaks with light 

Oh ponder well his words, I pray ; 

For ancient light reveals the way 
That leads to wisdom, joy, and right. 



Ray representing $ : — 

From distant parts and times remote 
I come with light to greet mankind 
And human welfare to promote, 



94 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

That all who seek the truth may find 
A worthy treasure for the mind 
By weighing all my words denote. 

In ancient times the stars were known 
As mystic symbols to the sage 

Whose secrets lost the wise bemoan. 
Five planets since the golden age 
With sun and moon our thoughts engage. 

These move like lamps around a throne. 

That they were named from truths of God 
Their worship in the temple tells. 

In ruins buried 'neath the sod 

The tower of Babel's mystic spells 
The errors of the past dispells, 

For planet priests its pavement trod. 

The son of space is king of all 

As naught escapes his vast domain. 

He calmly smiles on great and small 
That strive to soar, alas, in vain; 
But happy world does not disdain 

And thus has praised this tiny ball. — 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 95 

' • Fair Eden is a trysting place 

With blooming fields by waters blue 

Where nature coyly and with grace 
Unfolds her virgin charms to view. 
All joy in life is there for you 

For me the cold, cold realms of space." h 



© But mingled with good there is also much 

evil 

For here in the world which indeed is fair 

Some people we find while apparently civil 

Are never content with an honest share. 

Not knowing what change may befall them 
to-morrow 
They wrongfully seek for their selfish 
gain, 
And casting on others a burden of sorrow 
By just retribution must suffer pain. 

For change is the master of every condition 
As such after space we should laud that 
might 



^ WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

Whose sword smites the haughty to humble 
contrition 
Destroying the evil enthroning the right. 

While caused by vis viva or something in 
motion 

In all of its forms it is found the same 
As light, heat, expansion, electric condition, 

In color, and hardness, or chemical flame. 

The ancients declaring the sun was its 

symbol 

As all kinds of energy come from thence 

Devoted a court that was grand in the 

temple 

Of spheres, unto him as a consequence. 

By doing some good should all means be 
expanded 
Lest power unearned may the eye bedim. 
Men better by far seek the right empty- 
handed 
Than work for the devil and get but him. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 9/ 

They tell me that man is now gaining new powers 
Already his Knowledge has greater range. 

But all his ambition's most beautiful towers 
Must yield to vis viva the cause of change. 



Now there is an olden story 
Told of men among the stars, 

How they used to seek for glory 

For wealth and envied fame 
Not by toil and honored scars 

But ways of sin and shame. 

And in wealth and vaunted power 
Some of them became so rich 

That they forced the rest to cower 

As slaves beneath their feet. 
But there came a day in which 

They suffered sore defeat. 

Thus has Time our hoary father, 
Dealt with all his children proud. 

Blessing now a lowly brother 

He seals the wicked's doom 
And enfolds him with a shroud 

In dark oblivion's tomb. 



98 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

But before this sordid era 
Was the happy golden age 

When the people's hearts were nearer^ 

Secure in peace and love 
From the tyrant's awful rage — 

From falcon's like the dove. 

Wisdom all their ways inspired, 
Not the purse of Mammon's guile, 

Oft by force and fraud acquired, 

Nor did the wicked rise 
High in place and there revile 

The innocent or wise. 

Well they taught that human power 
Like the moon must wax and wane — 

Like the sweetness of a flower 

Must come and go for aye. 
Through the flight of years in vain 

One seeks that former day. 

Moving onward is the present 
From the past forever gone 

To the future, sad or pleasant, 

With justice most sublime 
Weighing out results upon 

Remorseless scales of time, a 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 99 

I am a ray that speaks with light 

But I speak with gravity too. 
I tell the source of all delight 

And the work that all have to do. 

I tell the earth of yonder sun 

And she winds around him her clue. 

The spheres have known since time begun 
That my word has always been true. 

Forever onward do I speed 

With vis viva giving me strength. 

Each whirling atom will I heed 

Long as time may last with its length. 

Eight times around the earth I go 

While your heart is once heard to beat. 

What think you when I call it slow 

To convey through space light and heat? 

How many truths I bring to you 
For I tell whereof stars are made — 

Reflect their image in the dew. 
Was I ever fairly gainsaid? 



lOO WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

I tell of planets moon and sun 

Of their course the ancients well knew ; 
And named them from the facts that run 

All- throughout the universe true. 

The first three parts of nature known 
And the fourth is clear as the day. 

First where, whereby, and when were shown 
Now the truth's etherial ray. ^ 



How sweet is the song of the songster ! 

How fair is the blush of a maiden ! 
How grand is the work of a master ! 

Such sweetness and melodies gladden 
The heart and ennoble the listener 

With gleams from a soul that is hidden. 

Like leaven in dough that is kneaded, 
This spirit of harmony spreading 

Developes its likeness unheeded, 

Till forces discordant are blending — 

Where grossness and evil existed 

Are peace and enjoyment abounding. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN lOI 

Enjoined to the present this spirit 

Contemplates the past and the future. 

It shapes the fair forms we inherit 
And makes the desig;ns of all nature 

Adorning the whole with its merit 
From snowflake to human adventure. 

Let man thus rejoice in his nature 
So perfectly wrought for his being 

And carefully guard for the future 
All motives, from sinfulness freeing 

His life ; for this holiest treasure 

His forefathers left to their offspring. 

Who then would destroy his own powers? 

Or leave to his children but weakness ! 
Not he in whose heart love embowers 

With impulse for good and discreetness — 
Whose thoughts when life's thunder cloud 
lowers 

Turn back to his mother in meekness. 

Then keep the soul pure for your children 

Which ancestors kept for your welfare 
For " theirs is the kingdom of heaven." 



102 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

You knew that your soul would go some- 
where 
But never the right guess have given. 
May peace be your lot when you get there. 

This leaven of life is immortal 
Renewing itself as by spreading, 

And all reunites at death's portal 

Like raindrops in rivers commingling. 

No accident ever so fatal 

Destroys the soul that is living. ^ 



21 Yet nobody's plan that was ever constructed 
Worked out just the way that person 
designed, 
With just enough difference in wisdom con- 
ducted 
To prove it was done by infinite mind ; 

For when it most seems that a bad plan will 
prosper 
The worst of all evil turned in its course 



WORK OF TH£ mystic SEVEN IO3 

Bounds back like a boomerang hurting its 
thrower. 
Bad luck to the knave who uses much force ! 

Thus all of the factors of life work together 

The end being good for him who plans 

well ; 

While every event proves there is but one 

Author, 

What plans He will follow, no one can tell. 

So men should be brought into cooperation 
Each having a share as good as the rest. 

As cells in one body all serve for protection 
When each shall be useful all will be blest. 

With stocks and with checks and a limited 
credit. 

Each ruling the share he earns for himself, 
Relations are settled with no one to debit 

And silver and gold are laid on the shelf. 

For man as we know cannot work for two 
masters 
And serve them in heart and truth all his 
life. 



104 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

The power of one must prevent all disasters 
And lead to perfection *mid error and strife. 

His power is law throughout all creation 
Which finite designs unite to fulfill. 

All change for each moment is under pro- 
bation 
Of infinite Wisdom's infinite will. 11 



In every change of life or death 
There is a joy or great relief 

Which all may feel in every breath, 
If they will have sincere belief 

In perfect wisdom's perfect plan 

And cling to that the best they can. 

For joy and pain come last of all. 

In them is found the reason why 
All things exist both great and small. 

Not joy for self but joy on high 
Must be the trend of all desire 
That wins the price of godly hire. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 10$ 

So man should live for joy on earth 
And wealth be used for public good 

While ruled by those who prove their worth 
For private need well understood — 

Small sums bestowed on all concerned 

But naught transferred direct till earned. 

For wealth not earned is easy lost 

And fills the W( ^Id with fraud and scheme. 

To seize the reins at smallest cost 

And drive the steeds is envy's dream, 

But when they once have lost their course 

These human steeds resist all force. 

Rich girls and beaux may be the rage 
Since wealth may make them wondrous 
fine. 

What pity when they reach old age 
To find the world has lost its shine ! 

For steady growth to power should give 

The means to rule while one may live. 

And so before I bid adieu 

To earth, fair home of selfish men. 
These primal truths will I review. 



I06 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

For man has known and may again 
The where, whereby, when, what, andhow^ 
The must and why I tell you now. 

Through all, these secrets, deep, are laid. 
From insect life to stars that gleam ; 

Then read the book that ne'er betrayed — 
Its name is nature, love, its theme ; 

Its hero, man, his life its toy; 

Its Author, God ; its end, His joy. 9 



$ ADIEU 

Ray representing $ : — 

If any man with mind so clear 

Can read the book his sires have penned 
In his own nature — thought most dear — 

He knows the facts my words defend. 

And he who knows the past may scan 
The future through the veil of sleep 

When he shall join his brother man 
And from his joys a harvest reap. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN lO/ 

Each day should call to mind my words — 

Vis viva, Sunday, Monday, time; 
For this, the sun to all affords. 

And that recalls the moon sublime. 

Then Tiw in Tuesday follows next, 
Or Mars the war god comes along. 

Whose spear and dart his foemen vexed, 

While winged thought is Wednesday's song. 

Then Thor or Jove the ruling will, 

With Freya, Friday, Venus' day, 
The last we trace to Saturn still 

Whose father Coelus leads the way. 

These thoughts recall the golden age 

When men enjoyed a happy life, 
And may they its return presage 

And men again forsake their strife. 

For o'er a chasm deep and wide 
The narrow bridge of life extends, 

And those who reach the other side 

May learn the rest. My story ends. S 



I08 WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

Guide concludes: — 

These are the thoughts a ray of light 
More ancient than the works of man 

Suggest, and may they bring delight 
To those who toil in rear or van. 

In doubt or darkness pain or grief 

Faith hope and love are sure relief. 

Not faith in man but faith in God 
Whose gracious will our hope fulfills, 

Illumes the paths our fathers trod 
To endless life ; but error fills 

This life with stings no tongue can tell 

If love doth not within us dwell. 

How sacred is the trust of life 

That from our natal hour to death 

We keep with guarding instinct rife 
Lest sin destroy this fleeting breath. 

Ancestral virtue, honor's might 

Should be our offsprings holy right. 

Unshielded by the power of wealth 

Let each one prove his worth by hire. 
Let all he saves by strength aud health 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 109 

While wisdom craft and all conspire 
Return him income, try that worth, 
But serve mankind alike at birth. 

Upon this rock our house must stand 

While seething floods of wrong sweep by — 

No longer built upon the sand 
We raise its turrets to the sky 

And hail the coming day of light 

Just dawning as our ray takes flight. 

A ray of light through gloom and night, 
A beacon gleaming far and wide, 

A smile of love from beauty bright 
That wins a sweetheart to its side, 

Is well proved truth to waning faith 

That guides the soul along life's path. 

When questions that all minds propound 
Are answered in the order named, 

Their logic in themselves profound 
Unfolds the gnostic eons famed, 

And leads us to the goal of love 

Through faith and hope in One above. 



no WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN 

CLOSING CHORAL 

Chorus: — 

Awake, arise, return to mortal vision ! 
The world defies and calls for firm decision. 
Improve tlie soul and keep thy body healthy ; 
Make good the whole and thus be truly wealthy. 

Within life's sphere is room for every blessing, 

From childhood dear with mother's hand caress- 
ing 

To manhood strong now virtue's brave defender. 

How like a song, good works, this life, can 
render ! 

We charge thee keep the precious vital powers 
And thou shalt reap a garnered sheaf in bowers. 
Behold, O man, thy glorious round of living! 
Partake, who can, the joys, its fruits are giving! 

Preserve the truth, the false and wrong abandon. 
The right, forsooth, is firmest ground to stand 

on. 
Consider well the path thy steps should follow, 
The mean to tell betwixt the height and hollow. 



WORK OF THE MYSTIC SEVEN I I I 

Let each one earn his rights among his fellows 
That all may learn how hardship hard hearts 

mellows, 
And how the weak develop mind and muscle 
When life they seek amidst the wide world's 

bustle. 

That love obtain its choice of heart unfettered 
By thought of gain in purse or station bettered, 
Do thou despise vain titles sot's inherit 
And dearly prize a life of worth and merit. 

We hail thee, man, and trust these lessons 

ended 
Will aid that plan of life our sires defended. — 
Now take thy stand upon these truths most 

hoary 
And lend thy hand to help the cause of glory. 



112 SLEEP 

SLEEP 

When sadness most o'ercomes us 

And hopes long cherished fail, 
Dull worriment benumbs us 

The light of love grows pale, 
Exhausted then with sorrow 

We turn at last to sleep 
Not knowing what the morrow 

In store for us may keep. 

Bright visions soon surround us 

To soothe our aching nerves, 
Our dream friends too have found us 

While sleep our strength preserves. 
Where grim day visions hovered 

A background rich may form 
With dreamland's pictures covered 

Like sunshine after storm. 

Sweet sleep restores good humor 
And gives us heart to live. 

To bear with ruthless rumor, 
And ere while foes forgive. 

We thus should guard our slumbers. 



THE PILL PEDLER'S PLEA II3 

Keep mind and body sound, 
With life attuned to numbers 
That health and joy abound. 



THE PILL PEDLER'S PLEA 

One part of Bible creed 

Some doctors never heed— 

*' Those who are well do not need a physician." 

Truth let them tell though it lead to confession. 

One talks to himself: — 

" It makes nobody weep 

And no one loses sleep,— 

Only a pill it will keep off the worry 

Lest they be ill and their people be sorry." 

To his patients: — 

'' Beware what food you eat 

And never taste of meat, 

Then you must know nothing sweet is quite 

proper. 
When you are so be discreet with your supper." 



114 THE PILL PEDLER'S PLEA 

To himself again: — 

' ' For some are never well 

And thus their fears to quell 

Who is not willing to tell what will please them. 

Think of the bill it will swell to appease them/* 

* * The ladies call us good ; 

They surely never would, 

If we perchance ever should by commission 

Tell at a glance as we could their condition." 

Haw many doctors take 

This fool's advice and shake — 

Never disclose when they make diagnoses 

Health unto those who will take down their doses ! 

And so the preachers plead 

*' Let all the people heed — 

Those who are well do not need a physician." 

Churches and prelates, come, lead the procession ! 

For that advice he gave 

Who taught you how to save 

Souls that are weak, not the brave and the 

righteous. 
Life let us seek not the grave which will hide us. 



THE PRIEST AND HOUSEWIFE II5 

Now, when the world is wise, 

And people use their eyes, 

Fools are the cast to disguise their opinion. 

Truth comes at last when the wise hold dominion. 



THE PRIEST AND HOUSEWIFE 

A doughty priest of high repute 
Imbued with all his sacred lore. 

Betook himself to find the root 

Of evil which had grieved him sore. 

A rustic housewife first he met 

Unbent his lordly mien, and asked, — 

** What cares and evils most beset 
Thy lot with hardships tasked? " 

Quoth she, — " I have a wicked hen 
That grieves me much of late ; 

She will go back to sit again 

Although I doused her pesky pate." 



Il6 THE PRIEST AND HOUSEWIFE 

To which the priest at once replied, — 
** No doubt baptism will save the souls, 

In sinful men where they reside 
But wicked hens no law controls." 

" I'll teach her yet" — the woman said, 
* * She knows enough to fight her way 

And watch her chance to get ahead, 
I'll put her where she'll have to stay." 

** And thus this senseless hen immure, 
Good woman? " said the priest. ** I fear 

Thy heart with sin is yet impure. 
For thy salvation came I here." 

** Then catch that hen at once for me 
And save me all this needless fuss. 

Thy mother's son should never see 

Her likeness grieved by such a muss." 

The humble prelate meekly sought 
To catch that wicked sitting hen. 

Among the coops the chase was fought 
With trials hard for scribe to pen. 



THE PRIEST AND HOUSEWIFE II7 

At last with hands all pecked and scratched, 
He brought her forth with pains and care. 

His deftness had been doubly matched 
By housewife's word and hen's despair. 

And now to extricate himself 
From such confusion all around, 

He left the woman to herself, 

With heart unchanged as he had found. 

He mused while going home that day, 
" The root of evil is explained, — 

All creatures want to have their way 
And someone thus is always pained. 

* ' The hen was right with sense or not 
To seek her nest and hatch her brood ; 

The housewife too had not forgot 
Her children needed eggs for food. 

** But all are slow to understand 

The needs which others greatly feel. 

My work hereafter shall be planned 
To help those who for help appeal." 



Il8 THE COMMONWEAL HYMN 

THE COMMONWEAL HYMN 

WRITTEN APRIL 1 8, 1 894 

Why plods over hills in the snow and through 
valleys 
With odds and great ills as we know in the 
way, 
A throng that now fills all the byways and alleys 
With song such as thrills men who try to be 
gay? 

They gather as lost ones to seek their salvation, 
Would rather be tossed by the bleak sea of 
fate, 
Than meet with such cost as their home's des- 
olation. 
So great the chill frost as they roam from its 
gate. 

Is f reecom a curse ? Were our fathers mistaken ? 
And we thus the worse since we are their own 
sons? 
Or will this reverse amidst plenty awaken 
Men willing to nurse what was lent by their 
guns? 



WHO ARE COSMOPOLITAN? 1 19 

Once more we will take a firm step to more 
forward, 
This corps shall awake what has slept in men's 
hearts, 
For freedom must make commonweal its grand 
war word, 
Or flee from the wake of cold steel and fell arts. 

And now once again let us cling to our nation 
And vow we are men as we sing a new 
hymn. 
The world may know then why we spurn its 
damnation 
And hurl deuce to den as we turn unto Him. 



WHO ARE COSMOPOLITAN? 

Of those who had the pleasure 

Of viewing the World's Columbian Exposition, 
No doubt are some who treasure 

Remembrance of things unique in their com- 
position. 



I20 WHO ARE COSMOPOLITAN? 

And naught perhaps was stranger 

Than Taoist designs demonstrating their 
religion. 
Of sin they showed the danger 

And heaven was also pictured, — a happy 
region. 

Here all the nations gather 

Beneath the eternal smiles of our Morgol Pater. 
Of course our friends would rather 

Have God in their image. Would He not thus 
be greater? 

** Oh yes," our guide is saying, 

For we are more cosmopolitan than are 
Christians. 
You see all nations playing 

On harps in our heaven — things never taught 
at missions — 

The wise are thus confounded. 

Perhaps we will go at last to a monkey heaven 
When Gabriel's horn is sounded, 

And then understand the parables of meal 
and leaven. 



so SAYS THE DOCTOR 121 

What right has man pretending 

That he is the only creature that lives here- 
after ? 
Does not all life extending 

Renew for itself its being in form thereafter? 

And if both souls and bodies 

Thereby are renewed, why surely this ex- 
planation 
Would give a chance for monkeys 

To pose in a cosmopolitan monkey nation. 

Or, giving place to wisdom , 

We come to the more appropriate in con- 
clusion, — 
That God's eternal Kingdom 

Has made for all life eternity no delusion. 



SO SAYS THE DOCTOR 

Useless things that people want 
They had better never have, 
So says the doctor. 



122 SO SAYS THE DOCTOR 

Rounds and revels rich folks vaunt 
Squalls and squabbles poor ones have. 
Then call the doctor. 

Toothsome bits of dainty trash, 
Peaches, apples, yet too green, 
Make work for doctors. 
Sweetened milk with sour hash 
For a babe too young to wean 
Brings in the doctors. 

Careful living steady ways. 
Homely comforts always best, 
Need not the doctor. 
Sleep for nights and work for days 
Needful change and sometimes rest, 
Help out the doctor. 

Not for rich and not for poor 
Are the blessings all bestowed, 
So says the doctor. 
Healthful life is very sure 
Soon to find the happy road, 
So says the doctor. 



BABY WANTS THE MOON I25 



Road to life that narrow way ! 
Few there be that find it quick 
Without a doctor. 
Live correctly day by day 

But when errors make you sick, 
Call in the doctor. 



BABY WANTS THE MOON 

My baby claps his hands 
As he feels in happy mood, 

When in my lap he lands 

And he pulls my hair so rude. 

The moon up in the sky 
Is shining sweetly down, 

But why does baby cry 

Till his ma begins to frown ? 

The cause is found full soon 
When baby reaches out, 

He surely wants the moon 
And he will not do without. 



124 A PICTURE FROM LIFE 

'' How like his dad he seems, 
And how like his ma he is." 

Just now he cries, he screams, 
And he pulls my hair. Gee whiz ! 

But after all we see 

He is like the human race , — 
At first all filled with glee 

But he soon makes wry his face. 

And all because he wants 
A delight quite out of reach. 

Our nature there confronts 

Us. We find ourselves to teach. 



A PICTURE FROM LIFE 

Little Lizard lingers lazily 

In the sun beside a leaf, 
Moody, moping, moving mazily, 

Slow in action past belief. 

Speckled Spider spins beside of him 
Never heeding who is there 

Foolish Fly feels free from fear of them 
Seeing all so still and fair. 



VESPER 125 

Tightly tangled, truly terrible 

Now the fly has met his fate, 
Hardly heeding how his horrible 

Foe has caught him till too late. 

Naughty nature knowing knavishness, 

Taught the lizard also tricks. 
Brute beguiling brate by brutishness 

In his mouth the spider licks. 

Feigning, fierce for foul ferocity. 

Act the foes of every race. 
Shrewdly showing sharp sagacity 

Even man his source may trace. 



VESPER (SAPPHO) 
"EtTTre/ae iravra (f>€pei<^ oaa (^aivoXi's 

aiya av olv re <f>€p€i<;, av <^epeL'=i 
KOI /xarepL TralSa. 

" O Vesper, thou bringest all home 

That the light of the morning doth scatter- 



126 VESPER 

The kids and the lambkins that roam, 
Baby footsteps to mother now patter." 

How sweetly these thoughts to us come 
From the poems of Lesbian Sappho. 

Though her tongue in long silence be dumb 
May her motherly words nightly echo. 

When evening's bright star first appears, — 

**<ru (f)€p€L<i /cat fxarepi TralBa.*' 
Her song may still hush baby's tears — 

* * And thou bringest my child back to mother. 




INDEX 



Fable of the Wolves, 


II 


Instinct, 


13 


Uncle Beck — An Ex-slave, 


15 


A River Dream, 


17 


Work of the Mystic Seven, 


20 


Apology, 


20 


Candidate Entering, 


22 


A Voice From Within, 


22 


Oath, 


24 


Opening Song, 


26 


A Charge, 


29 


Hereafter, 


31 


The Engendered, 


35 


Introducing Hermes, 


39 


Prove Wisdom, 


41 


Creation for God's Glory, Not Man's 


45 


The Trestleboard, 


47 


Whence the Elements, 


48 


Star of Wisdom, 


50 


Socialism of Love, 


51 


Equality the World's Need, 


54 


Love's Advice, 


56 


Prepare for Light, 


58 



128 INDEX 

The Sun's View, 60 

Atlantis, 63 

The Least Wrong May be Fatal, 64 

Life's Path, 69 

Sun of Righteousness, 67 

Logic of Perpetual Verities, 69 

Truth, 74 

Round of Nature, 74 

Right and Truth, 79 

One Only Rules, 80 

Voice of our Fathers, 85 

Credo, 87 

Further Light — Abraxas, 89 

Resume in Third Order, 93 

^ Adieu, 106 

Closing Choral, no 

Sleep, 112 

The Pill Pedler's Plea, 113 

The Priest AND THE Housewife, 115 

The Commonweal Hymn, 118 

Who are Cosmopolitan? 119 

So Says THE Doctor, 121 

Baby Wants the Moon, 123 

A Picture From Life, 124 

Vesper (Sappho,) 125 



